Alex Eala, Coco Gauff to clash in Dubai Tennis Championships quarterfinals

Alexandra “Alex” Eala will face a formidable test in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships late Thursday (Philippine time) as she takes on world No. 4 Coco Gauff for a spot in the semifinals of the WTA 1000 tournament.

Just before Eala stepped on court for her Round of 16 match against Romania’s Sorana Cirstea, where the Filipina won, 7-5, 6-4, Gauff pulled off a comeback victory over Elise Mertens, 2-6, 7-6(9), 6-3, to punch her ticket to the last eight.

In her post-match interview, Gauff addressed the crowd, many of whom were waiting for the Eala-Cirstea showdown.

“I know you guys are probably here for Alex so I’m sorry to make you wait,” Gauff said with a laugh.

“If I’m not mistaken, I think some of you guys are cheering for me so I appreciate it a lot and I hope you guys enjoy the next match.”

That same crowd, which has consistently shown support for Eala in the tournament, is expected to rally behind the Filipina ace once more as she battles for a semifinal berth.

Eala and Gauff, however, are no strangers to each other.

The two teamed up in the doubles event at the Italian Open in May last year, reaching the quarterfinals before bowing to the Italian pair of Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini, 5-7, 6-3, 7-10.

The world No. 47 Eala had nothing but praise for her former doubles partner.

“You know, Coco is such an amazing person, and we tend to forget that she’s just a year older than me,” the 20-year-old Eala said.

“But she’s a great role model for so many, so I’m really excited for that match.”

The match will be held Thursday, 11:00 p.m. (Philippine time).

Who is Coco Gauff?

Gauff has established herself as one of the top players in women’s tennis in recent years.

She has won two Grand Slam singles titles — the US Open in 2023 and the French Open in 2025 — and has captured 11 WTA Tour titles overall. She also reached a career-high ranking of world No. 2 in June 2024.

Last week in Qatar, Gauff suffered a Round of 32 exit at the hands of Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto. At the Australian Open, she advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, 1-6, 2-6.

Her most recent WTA 1000 triumph came in October last year at the Wuhan Open, where she defeated Jessica Pegula, 6-4, 7-5, in the final.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News